Education
How to Save Money for College
Everyone knows that college is an important step in the life of any person. It is one of the main goals, the accomplishment of which offers high hopes for a successful future.
However, it is not a big surprise that higher education comes at a considerable cost, with tuition fees getting higher each year.
Forward-looking parents who want to ensure future prosperity for their children usually start saving for college as soon as their babies have managed to make the first step.
Even more prudent parents are sure to have a definite plan of making savings for their offspring’s studies. Even if you haven’t started yet, and your child is about to mail out application letters, it is never too late.
Nevertheless, a good plan is always a beneficial strategy, especially in financial endeavours. Here are some tips on how to save money for college.
Set a Definite Goal
That is the place to start from. To plan something, you need to know what exactly you are planning for. Assess your needs and define what sum is required for them. Answer some questions:
- For how many children are you going to pay?
- How much time is left before they go to college?
- For how many years will they study?
- Are you going to fund all this period or only half?
- What college do you have in mind? Public, private, or community? In- or out-of-state?
- What are the projected expenses for accommodation and transportation?
Of course, some of these questions may have no definite answer so far. Thus, it would be prudent to have several possible scenarios. But in any case, at least approximate calculations can help to see the final picture and define the further plan. Conduct some research based on your goals derived from the answers and make use of online financial calculators to help you with estimates and budgeting.
Define the Way of Saving
When the definite goal is set and you know what sum (at least approximate) you’ll need to cover, you have to decide on the saving and investment vehicle that will help you achieve your objectives. There are a number of options, some of which offer rather attractive tax-saving benefits.
As some of the examples, you may use section 529 plans, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), or taxable mutual fund or brokerage accounts. Each of them comes with its pros and cons, of course. Make some online research to learn more about each available option to decide which one is the most beneficial for you.
Start Saving
Of course, it is more than obvious that the earlier you start saving, the more money you will get at the end. But even if you started a bit late, you still have good chances with an advantageous plan. Just remember to keep discipline in setting aside some amount regularly.
Make it a part of your monthly household budget like utility bills or sign up for automated regular contributions to the savings account if needed. By the way, some savings plans may be open for other parties, so do not hesitate to involve other relatives or friends who want to contribute.
Consider cutting on your daily expenses. Analyze your family budget and think about where you could save more without creating a considerable strain on your everyday lives. Make use of all the possible bonuses, loyalty programs, and wage rises. Every penny matters for your precious child and their prospects in life.
Consider Financial Aid
Undoubtedly any assistance from outside will be useful, so consider all the possible options.
Scholarships and grants take the first position on the list. If your children do not qualify for need-based ones, pin your hopes on merit-based awards. Encourage your kids to strive for higher achievements in studies and extra-curricular activities and help them succeed at every step they take. Explain to them that this is a good helper in planning for their future, but do not get overly demanding though. Psychological traumas will not pave their way into college.
Student loans are another way of financial aid that you as a parent may get for your children’s college education. Start with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the Department of Education, which will consider if and how much federal aid you may qualify for.
If you have no other way out but for borrowing, try all the possible federal loan options in the first place. Banks and credit unions offer private student loans but usually with much higher rates. In any case, you should research and study this issue thoroughly and carefully before signing any deals, assessing the sum you can afford to borrow, and examining all the possible repayment options.
One more viable option to help you save for your children’s college is engaging them in the endeavour and encouraging them to get a part-time job. While still in high school and after having been admitted to a college, your kid can perform a myriad of jobs. They can work in a local library, store, or cafeteria, write Pro-papers for their peers, deliver mail or pizza, or even get employed as a junior assistant in your company.
In addition to helping you bridge the financial gap, such a move will teach them independence and responsibility from a young age. They should understand that investing in their future and relieving their parents from the burden at least partially is very honourable.
Bottom Line
Of course, college for your children demands a lot from the parents. It is not a surprise for anyone that ensuring your kids’ bright future is a costly pursuit. However, a security plan and your firm resolve can help you remove mountains. Plan and start saving as early as possible to get more opportunities for yourself and your children.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has announced the reopening of the 47 unity schools earlier shut down due to security concerns on November 21.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Education on Thursday.
It said that the decision to reopen the affected colleges across the country reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding students and ensuring the continuity of education.
On November 18, 2025, over 20 schoolgirls were kidnapped by unidentified armed men from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi state.
Just three days later, on November 21, about 303 students and 12 teachers were kidnapped at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger state.
In response, the federal government shut down 47 Federal Unity Colleges, and some states including Katsina, Taraba, and Niger also closed schools or restricted school activities, particularly boarding institutions.
Rights group including Human Rights Watch lamented that while these measures were aimed at protecting students, they disrupted learning for thousands of children, denied them access to education, and the social and psychological support schools provide.
FULL LIST OF AFFECTED UNITY COLLEGES
North-West:
FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, FGGC Bakori, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, FGC Birnin Yauri, FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia.
North-East:
FGGC Potiskum, FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri, FTC Zambuk.
North-Central:
FGGC Bida, FGC New-Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omu-Aran, FTC Gwanara, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji.
South-West:
FTC Ikare Akoko, FTC Ijebu-Imusin, FTC Ushi-Ekiti, FTC Ogugu.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Online learning platforms, Coursera and Udemy, have reached an agreement to merge in an all-stock transaction, with the combined company’s implied equity value estimated at approximately $2.5 billion.
The agreement, unanimously approved by both companies’ boards of directors, stipulates that Udemy shareholders will receive 0.8 shares of Coursera common stock for each Udemy share held.
Upon completion of the merger, Coursera shareholders are expected to own about 59 per cent and Udemy shareholders approximately 41 per cent of the new entity on a fully diluted basis.
The combined company will continue under the Coursera name, and maintain its headquarters in Mountain View, California.
Coursera, founded in 2012 by Mr Andrew Ng and Ms Daphne Koller, is an online learning platform with 191 million registered users as of September 30, 2025. It collaborates with over 375 universities and industry partners to offer courses, specialisations, professional certificates, and degrees.
The platform includes features such as generative AI (gen AI) tools (Coach, Role Play, Course Builder) and role-based solutions (Skills Tracks) to support scalable and personalised learning. Coursera is used by institutions for workforce development in fields such as gen AI, data science, technology, and business.
Udemy is a platform that provides on-demand, multi-language courses to help companies and individuals develop technical, business, and soft skills. It uses AI to offer personalised learning experiences and supports workforce development in a changing workplace.
Mr Greg Hart, currently CEO of Coursera, is set to lead the enlarged organisation as CEO after the merger.
The board will consist of nine members. Six from Coursera’s board, including chairman Mr Ng and CEO Mr Hart, and three from Udemy’s board.
“We’re at a pivotal moment in which AI is rapidly redefining the skills required for every job across every industry.
“Organisations and individuals around the world need a platform that is as agile as the new and emerging skills learners must master,” Mr Hart said.
The combination is said to create a complete ecosystem of top instructors supported by AI tools, data-driven insights, and broader distribution, enabling more engaging, personalised, and dynamic learning at scale.
Projected operational efficiencies include anticipated annual run-rate cost synergies of $115m within two years after closing.
Udemy CEO, Mr Hugo Sarrazin said: “For more than 15 years, Udemy has helped millions of people master in-demand skills at the speed of innovation.
“Through this combination with Coursera, we will create meaningful benefits for our learners, enterprise customers, and instructors, while delivering significant value to our shareholders, who will participate in the substantial upside potential of the combined company.”
The merger is anticipated to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory clearances, approval by both companies’ shareholders, and other customary closing conditions.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Global cryptocurrency platform, Luno and AltSchool Africa, an accredited online learning platform, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at demystifiing crypto to 15,000 Nigerians.
The initiative at that scale makes it Africa’s largest crypto education programme.
According to a joint statement on Wednesday, this is a significant step in Luno’s continued efforts to strengthen trust in digital assets and support safer participation in the digital economy.
This is hinged on Africa’s fast-growing digital finance landscape where 33 per cent of the country’s population already engage with digital assets, and a rapidly growing youth population are eager to participate in the digital economy.
According to the statement, the partnership aims to bridge the knowledge gap by providing structured, practical, and safe crypto education.
This will be done by combining Luno’s experience in promoting safe crypto participation with AltSchool Africa’s capability in delivering accessible digital skills training.
“The course directly addresses the misinformation and financial risks associated with unregulated digital assets, while demonstrating real-world applications tailored to African contexts,” the joint statement added.
The initiative will be implemented in three cohorts of 5,000 learners each. Applications for Cohort 1 will be open from January to February 2026, with the course commencing in March 2026. Cohort 2 participants will gain access to the course in July 2026, while Cohort 3 participants will begin the programme in November 2026.
The programme will be led by Web3 expert Mr Abdulsamad Tiamiyu, who will provide a practical, Africa-focused introduction to cryptocurrency, showing how it can be used for saving, remittances, global trading, and entrepreneurship.
The curriculum consists of five core modules and is designed to be completed within three to four weeks.
Learners benefit from up to one year of access to all course materials, including online, self-paced video lessons, slides, quizzes, and case studies. The course combines theory with hands-on experience, where learners interact with wallets, exchanges, stablecoins, and research tools like CoinGecko and Etherscan.
According to the organisers, this approach gives learners the tools to confidently use digital currencies in everyday financial activities. Successful learners, upon passing the assessments, earn an AltSchool Africa Certificate of Completion.
Speaking on the partnership, Mr Ayotunde Alabi, CEO of Luno Nigeria, said: “This initiative is a crucial intervention in Africa’s digital ecosystem. As crypto adoption accelerates, formal literacy must grow alongside it, so individuals can benefit safely and meaningfully,”
“Our partnership with AltSchool Africa is a deliberate step toward that goal and a foundational investment in the integrity of the industry. By delivering structured, high-quality education, Luno is helping ensure that Africans can participate confidently, securely, and sustainably – turning what is often seen as risk into real economic opportunity,” he added.
Adding his input, Mr Adewale Yusuf, Co-founder and CEO of AltSchool Africa, said “This partnership between AltSchool and Luno is a major step toward financial education that truly serves Africans and helps people gain the knowledge and tools they need to understand crypto with confidence and use it in practical, life-changing ways.”
The programme is open to Nigerian residents aged 18 and above who are able to commit to completing it within four weeks. Applicants must have a Luno account or create one before enrolling.
Starting January, Interested participants are encouraged to submit application through the AltSchool Africa portal, with scholarship decisions communicated within one week.
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